Basic Practices Of Crop Production:Organic Farming, Irrigation, Planting

Basic Practices Of Crop Production:Organic Farming, Irrigation, Planting

Edited By Irshad Anwar | Updated on Oct 19, 2024 10:06 AM IST

To cultivate thriving crops, farmers must weigh multiple variables and make calculated decisions to determine the ideal time, place, and methods for planting. While ideal conditions are necessary, they are insufficient to guarantee a bountiful harvest. The intricate dance of soil preparation, planting, irrigation, and the use of fertilisers and manure all play pivotal roles in determining the success of a crop and ensuring a steady supply of food for all. Basic practices of Crop Production topics in Biology carry a weightage of 2-3% in NEET and 4-5% in CBSE and other Paramedical Exams.

Basic Practises Of Crop Production

The art of growing crops, or Crop Production, comprises a series of carefully planned and executed steps. Each step plays a vital role in the ultimate success of the harvest and the production of food, fuel, and other critical resources. The following are the core components of a successful crop production strategy:

  • Soil Preparation - Cleansing the soil of weeds and other unwanted materials, followed by tilling and balancing the pH and nutrient levels, sets the stage for optimal plant growth.

  • Crop Selection - The choice of crop is critical to success and requires consideration of climate, soil, water resources, and market demand.

  • Seed Selection - Securing disease-free, high-quality seed specifically suited to the growing conditions is crucial.

  • Seed Sowing - Proper timing, depth, and spacing of seed placement is vital, and proper soil coverage is necessary.

  • Irrigation - Ensuring an adequate water supply through drip or sprinkler irrigation systems is essential to plant health.

  • Fertilization - The right type and amount of fertilizer provide the crucial nutrients necessary for plant growth and development.

  • Weeding - Regular removal of weeds to prevent competition for light, water, and nutrients is a must.

  • Pest Control - Effective pest management through the use of pesticides and other methods is key to preventing crop damage and loss.

  • Harvesting - Timing is everything, as proper harvesting techniques maintain crop quality and maximize yields.

  • Post-Harvest Management - Proper storage and transportation practices preserve crop quality and extend its shelf life.

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Techniques of Basic Practices of Crop Production

By adhering to these basic practices of Crop Production, farmers can secure bountiful harvests, meet consumer demand, and contribute to global food security and economic prosperity.

Techniques

Explanation

Sowing

  • Planting high-quality seeds and using methods like drilling and manual showing increases crop production.

Fertilization and Manuring

  • Fertilization is important for the crop field and adding chemical fertilizers, ammonium sulfate or organic manure like plant or animal waste can provide all the essential nutrients that your plant requires for its growth.

Crop Rotation

  • Crop rotation is a method in which altering crops is done to maintain soil fertility and replenish nutrients like nitrogen.

Irrigation

  • In order to maintain the moisture of your fields soil irrigation is important. There are modern methods of irrigation which include sprinkler and drip systems while traditional methods require manual labor.

Weeding

  • Removing unwanted plants from your field that compete with the crops for nutrition is known as the weeding process.

  • This is done using manual removal or chemical treatment.

Pest Control

  • Using pesticides in your field at regular intervals protects crops from pests and increases crop production.

Harvesting

  • Cutting down the crops once they are mature using manual tools or machines is known as harvesting.


Types of Questions Asked from Basic Practices of Crop Production

During exam preparation, different types of questions about the basic practices of Crop Production are asked. The table below contains the different patterns of questions asked in different exams.

Exam Type

Types of Questions Asked

Weightage

CBSE

  • Steps in soil preparation (tilling, levelling, removing weeds)

  • Crop rotation and its benefits

  • Seed selection and sowing techniques

  • Role of fertilisers and manure

4%

NEET

  • Role of fertilizers vs. manure in crop production

  • Modern irrigation systems (drip, sprinkler)

  • Seed quality and factors affecting germination

  • Pest control techniques

3%

Paramedical

  • Importance of weeding in crop production

  • Impact of irrigation on plant health and soil quality

  • Post-harvest management techniques

  • Role of organic farming in sustainability

2%


Tips, Tricks, and Strategies for Basic Practices of Crop Production

It takes effort to remember everything in a single go. We made the entire problem easy. Some of the tricks regarding basic practices of Crop production are given below which you can use to memorise the important points.

Soil Preparation

"CTL: Clean, Till, Level"

  • C: Clean the soil (remove weeds, rocks, and debris)

  • T: Till the soil (turn it over for better aeration and drainage)

  • L: Level the soil (ensure even surface for planting)

Seed Selection & Sowing

"HQP: High-Quality, Proper Placement"

  • H: High-quality seeds (disease-free and viable)

  • Q: Quantity (appropriate seed density)

  • P: Proper placement (correct depth, spacing for optimal growth)

Fertilization & Manuring

"NPK: Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium"

  • N: Nitrogen (promotes leaf growth)

  • P: Phosphorus (for root and flower development)

  • K: Potassium (for overall plant health)

Irrigation

"DST: Drip, Sprinkler, Traditional"

  • D: Drip irrigation (water to plant roots, efficient)

  • S: Sprinkler irrigation (water sprayed across crops)

  • T: Traditional methods (manual systems like pulley, chain pump)

Weeding

"RPM: Remove, Prevent, Manage"

  • R: Remove weeds manually or chemically

  • P: Prevent weed growth

  • M: Manage weeds with regular inspection

Pest Control

"BIP: Biological, Integrated, Pesticides"

  • B: Biological control (using natural predators)

  • I: Integrated Pest Management (combining various methods)

  • P: Pesticides (chemical control when needed)

Harvesting

"THP: Timing, Handling, Processing"

  • T: Timing is crucial (harvest at the right stage for best yield)

  • H: Handle crops gently to avoid damage

  • P: Processing post-harvest (drying, threshing, cleaning)

Storage

"DSC: Dry, Store, Check"

  • D: Dry crops thoroughly to prevent spoilage

  • S: Store in proper containers (silos, bags)

  • C: Check regularly for pests, moisture, and diseases

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Name the branches of agriculture?

The names of the branches of agriculture are 

Horticulture, 

Dairy farming ,

Aquaculture ,

Organic farming ,

Sericulture ,

Vermiculture ,

Market gardening and 

Poultry.

2. What is planting in agriculture?

Combining the seeds or saplings in the main farming region after proper land practise is called planting.

3. What are some of the difficulties encountered by the farmers in India?

The difficulties faced by the Indian farmers are that they have very small land holdings and also no certainty of saeed quality. Too much use of fertiliser weakens the soil and leads to lower yield every subsequent year.

4. Give some examples of farm machinery?

Tractors, fertilisers, spreaders, combines, ploughs, seeders, mowers, planters, bakers and sprayers.

5. Name the undesirable plants that grow among the crops?

Weeds.

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